Lens Upgrade
Aug 22, 2012 02:19:53 #
Does anyone have the Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-400 F4.5-5.6L IS ? I've read the reviews but would like an opinion from someone who has this lens. Also, how does it compare to the Sigma 150-500 as far as quality, speed of focus, sharpness, etc are concerned? I noticed the Canon lens has image stabilization whereas the Sigma has something called Optical Stabilization. Is that the same thing?
Aug 22, 2012 07:41:52 #
I would go for the canon lens for sharpness,but the sigma at 500mm is a good distance.The crop factor is 400mm x1.6= 640mm for canon lens,sigma is 1.6 x = 800mm on a non full frame camera.If your on a budget go sigma $1200,canon $1900 ,just have fun ,both good for wildlife enjoy.
Aug 22, 2012 14:50:23 #
Thank you, snappy, for taking the time to send me the information. It's exactly what I was looking for to help me make my decision.
Aug 23, 2012 06:31:08 #
Dixiegirl, If you do not know this is a push pull type lens for zooming. A good friend of mine has one and is not exactly happy about it, he did not do the research and was surprised when it came. It does take excellent images. I hope this helps. Gary
Dixiegirl wrote:
Does anyone have the Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-400 F4.5-5.6L IS ? I've read the reviews but would like an opinion from someone who has this lens. Also, how does it compare to the Sigma 150-500 as far as quality, speed of focus, sharpness, etc are concerned? I noticed the Canon lens has image stabilization whereas the Sigma has something called Optical Stabilization. Is that the same thing?
Aug 23, 2012 06:54:54 #
I had the Sigma 150-500 then sold it for the Canon 400 f5.6. There is no contest! Have also tried the 100-400mm but prefer the prime.
Aug 23, 2012 07:01:25 #
Lupane
Loc: Gainsville, Ga.
Happen to own the Sigma 150-500 on a Canon 7D. To this date I still believe it was the best decision I made while saving quite a few hundreds of dollars. The Picture of the Orangutan (AVATAR) was the first picture taken with the Sigma at 500mm setting from quite a distance away. The Amount of detail blew my doubts away. It is a magnificent lens. Expect weight to be a factor... but all big lenses are heavy...it is the nature of good glass... Have a magnificent day.
Aug 23, 2012 08:03:09 #
merrittbtuhh
Loc: Dallas, Tx
Amen to the Canon 400 5.6 prime. Why carry that big zoom for a 100mm shot? I bought the 400 used from Amazon for $1200 with 30 day return privilege. Marvelous lens.
Aug 23, 2012 08:06:54 #
Poppy
Loc: North Georgia
I have the Canon and love it. Took a little time to get used to the push pull zoom but it takes great pics.
Aug 23, 2012 08:16:23 #
Dixiegirl wrote:
Does anyone have the Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 100-400 F4.5-5.6L IS ? I've read the reviews but would like an opinion from someone who has this lens. Also, how does it compare to the Sigma 150-500 as far as quality, speed of focus, sharpness, etc are concerned? I noticed the Canon lens has image stabilization whereas the Sigma has something called Optical Stabilization. Is that the same thing?
I have hired this lens a couple of times. The second lens was better quality than the first. I have no trouble with the push-pull design, got used to it straight away. I would buy one if I could afford/justify it.
Aug 23, 2012 09:39:32 #
I have had the 100-400 for 5 years. Good lens for sports. Use (at least) a monopod and turn off the IS. Really sharp lens.
Aug 23, 2012 10:09:08 #
I have the Canon 100x400 is. It is heavy. I also have the Canon 70x200 is 2.8 and usually use it, but it is also heavy. I used the 100x400 on a tripod plus 1.4 extender and got some good shots, tried it without tripod and couldn't handle all the weight or reach the focus. You can put clear scotch tape over the three elements on the lens to make it work auto. Good luck. Bee
Aug 23, 2012 10:30:36 #
I will suggest you look at the 70 or 80-200 2.8 L lenses with 2X - smaller, lighter and more ergonomic than the others - you can zoom with one finger ! Nothing really wrong with the 100-400 except the zooming extension which , among other things throws the balance of the lens off. Specificly, I would suggest the 80-200 or the 70-200 NON IS as they are cheaper and less problematic, You will want and SHOULD be on a monopod because of the weight. The 80-200 will not accept a Canon extender - but I recommend a Tamron SP 2X - that is what was used in the 1st photo below. Otherwise, I can recommend the Sigma 100-300 F4 with 1.4X that was used for the 2nd image. The Sigmas are subject to poor quality control , but if you get a good one they can be very good ! So, if you buy a Sigma, make sure you can return it.
Aug 23, 2012 12:05:22 #
Had the 100-400 for a couple of years and generally found the image quality to be ok but not great. Found that I shot in the max position most of the time. Decided to try the 300 and 400 fixed to compare and ordered both from Adorama. Did extensive field testing on the 300 and 400Ls and found them both to be superb. Decided to keep the 400, returned the 300 and traded in the 100-400. Very glad that I did so. Every once in a while am hampered because the 400 is fixed and I have use my feet. This is not a major problem.
Hope this helps.
Steve
Hope this helps.
Steve
Aug 23, 2012 14:28:49 #
It DOES help, Gary. I wish I'd known that before ordering. I have never tried out that type of lens. Hopefully I won't be disappointed. Thanks so much.
gwong1 wrote:
Dixiegirl, If you do not know this is a push pull ... (show quote)
Aug 23, 2012 14:31:50 #
Thanks, Rodders. I had first considered the prime but was afraid I would be more limited with it than with a zoom. Thanks so much.
Rodders wrote:
I had the Sigma 150-500 then sold it for the Canon 400 f5.6. There is no contest! Have also tried the 100-400mm but prefer the prime.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.